Morbi in Gujarat is the heart of India's tile industry, and a large share of the vitrified, ceramic and slab tiles sold in Rajasthan and North India come from its factories. Buying Morbi tiles gives you an enormous range of designs, finishes and sizes, often at very competitive prices. The flip side is that quality varies between makers and even between grades of the same design, and those differences show up clearly once the tiles are being fitted.
As fitters, we see the results of buying decisions every week. Here is a practical guide to Morbi tile grades, sizes and the checks worth doing before the boxes are delivered to your site.
Understanding Morbi tile grades
Most Morbi manufacturers sort their production into grades after firing. The names vary by company, but the idea is similar:
- Premium or export grade. The best sorted tiles, with minimal variation in size, flatness and shade, and no visible surface defects.
- Standard or commercial grade. Generally good tiles with slightly more tolerance. Fine for most homes if checked properly.
- Lower grades. May have small chips, pinholes, warping or shade variation. Sometimes acceptable for service areas, but risky for main floors.
The grade is usually printed on the box. Ask the dealer clearly which grade you are buying and get it written on the bill. Two designs that look identical on the showroom display can be very different grades in the box.
Types of Morbi tiles you will be offered
Double charge vitrified
The top layer is a thick pressed layer of pigment, about 3 to 4 mm, so the design does not wear off easily. A practical choice for high-traffic floors and commercial spaces, though designs are simpler.
GVT and PGVT
Glazed vitrified tiles (GVT) and polished glazed vitrified tiles (PGVT) carry digitally printed designs under a glaze. They give marble-look, wood-look and stone-look patterns with high gloss or matt finishes. The design layer is thinner, so these suit homes more than heavy commercial use.
Full body vitrified
The colour runs through the full thickness of the tile, so chips and wear are less visible. Common in commercial floors and outdoor areas.
Slab tiles
Morbi now produces large slabs, such as 800x1600 mm, 1200x1800 mm and bigger. They give a near-seamless look but need careful handling and an experienced team, as we explain in our guide to large-format tile fitting.
Popular sizes and where they work
| Size (mm) | Typical use | Fitting note |
|---|---|---|
| 600x600 | Bedrooms, flats, offices | Easy to handle, forgiving on slightly uneven floors |
| 600x1200 | Living rooms, bungalows | Needs flatter base and back-buttering |
| 800x800 | Halls, lobbies | Good balance of size and handling |
| 800x1600 and above | Large halls, premium homes | Needs levelling clips and two-person handling |
| 300x450, 300x600 | Bathroom and kitchen walls | Usually ceramic or wall-grade tiles |
Room size matters too. A very large tile in a small bedroom often leaves awkward cut pieces at the walls, while a medium size may fit more neatly.
Rectified or non-rectified edges
Rectified tiles are machine-cut after firing so all edges are straight and the size is exact. They allow narrow joints of about 2 mm and a cleaner look. Non-rectified tiles have slightly rounded, factory edges and small size differences, so they need a wider joint. Neither is wrong, but you should know which one you are buying because it changes the joint width and the look of the floor.
What to check before and at delivery
Most problems we are asked to fix after fitting could have been caught before the first tile was laid. These checks take only a little time:
- Batch and shade numbers. Every box carries a batch or shade code. All boxes for one area should match. Mixed batches can look different under daylight even if they seem similar in the shop.
- Calibre or size code. Some makers print a size code. Tiles from different calibres may differ by a millimetre or two, which spoils joint lines.
- Flatness. Place two tiles face to face, or lay one on a flat surface and check the corners. Warped tiles cause lippage no matter how skilled the fitter.
- Surface defects. Open a few boxes and look for pinholes, colour spots, chipped corners and print errors.
- Back side. Look for a proper ribbed or patterned back that helps adhesive grip. Some back sides also carry engobe; it should not be loose or powdery.
How much extra should you buy
For straight laying in regular rooms, keeping around 5 to 8 percent extra is common. Diagonal layouts, rooms with many corners, and large-format tiles need more, often 10 percent or above. Always keep a few spare tiles from the same batch after fitting. If a tile cracks in a few years, finding the exact shade again can be almost impossible.
A short buying checklist
- Confirm the grade and get it on the bill.
- Note the batch, shade and calibre codes for each area.
- Check flatness and edges on a sample of tiles.
- Decide rectified or non-rectified and agree the joint width with your fitter.
- Buy enough extra for cutting plus a few spares.
- Store boxes flat, upright, under cover and away from site traffic.
We do not sell tiles; the choice stays with you and your dealer. What we can do is help you check the boxes before fitting and suggest sizes that suit each room. If you are about to buy Morbi tiles for a home or project, send us the room sizes and options on WhatsApp at 9468916422, or read more about our tile fitting and flooring work before you get in touch.
Tile Fitting & Flooring in Rajasthan & across India
Precise tile fitting for vitrified, Morbi, ceramic and large-format slab tiles, plus bathroom tile work, kitchen dado and quartz surfaces, laid level with clean, even joints.
